Conclusions
The results suggest that the expression of Nef intensifies cocaine-induced alterations in glutamate homeostasis in the NAc, potentially underlying increased cocaine-seeking behavior. Understanding these interactions better may inform therapeutic strategies for managing cocaine use disorder in HIV-infected individuals.
Methods
Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were used to compare the effects of astrocytic Nef and cocaine by molecular analysis of glutamate transporters, GLT-1 and the cysteine glutamate exchanger (xCT), in the NAc. Behavioral assessments for cocaine self-administration were used to evaluate cocaine-seeking behavior.
Results
The findings indicate that both cocaine and Nef independently decrease the expression of the glutamate transporter GLT-1 in the NAc. Additionally, rats with astrocytic Nef expression exhibited increased cocaine-seeking behavior but demonstrated sex-dependent molecular differences after the behavioral paradigm. Conclusions: The results suggest that the expression of Nef intensifies cocaine-induced alterations in glutamate homeostasis in the NAc, potentially underlying increased cocaine-seeking behavior. Understanding these interactions better may inform therapeutic strategies for managing cocaine use disorder in HIV-infected individuals.